For the past three months, Americans have consistently ranked immigration as the most important issue facing the United States, according to a recent Gallup poll. This marks the longest consecutive stretch in the past 24 years that immigration has held the top spot. The issue surpassed the government in February, coinciding with a controversial bipartisan border and foreign aid package that failed in the Senate. This year is the first time immigration has been ranked as the most important issue for Americans for several consecutive months since Gallup began updating the question monthly in 2001.
Gallup’s assessment of the situation noted that immigration is the most politically polarizing issue in the past 25 years of their measurements. The record surge of migrants at the southern border in December drew more focus to the issue, and while attempted crossings have slightly decreased since then, they are expected to rise again as spring continues. President Joe Biden’s approval rating for his handling of immigration has been consistently low, making the issue a significant vulnerability for him as he seeks re-election. Additionally, immigration has been the top issue four times since 2000, either alone or tied with another issue, including in 2014, 2018, and 2019.
The economy has been ranked the top issue by Gallup respondents the most times over the past 24 years, followed by the government and the Iraq War. The most recent poll showed that 48% of Republicans and 25% of Independents cited immigration as the most important problem, compared to only 8% of Democrats. The percentage of Republicans mentioning immigration as the top issue has decreased since hitting a record high of 57% in February. In 2019, 20% of Democrats mentioned immigration as the top issue, and the latest survey revealed that Independents are now mentioning immigration at a new high.
Overall, the recent Gallup poll confirms that immigration remains a significant concern for Americans, with it being ranked as the most important issue for three consecutive months. The ongoing situation at the southern border, combined with President Biden’s handling of the issue and the upcoming presidential election, has kept immigration at the forefront of public consciousness. The historically polarizing nature of the immigration debate, along with its repeated appearances as a top issue in past years, underscores its ongoing significance in national discourse. As the situation continues to evolve, immigration is likely to remain a critical issue for policymakers and the American public alike.
